Travel Transforms Both Ways
Lunar New Year in Thailand
Our favorite retired Florida weatherman, Don, has returned for what’s become his annual journey to our Hill Tribes program, arriving a little early this year to celebrate Lunar New Year in Bangkok, known in Thailand as ตรุษจีน (Trut Chin).
A few days later, he arrived at our location in Chiang Mai. This is his fifth time joining the Globe Aware Hill Tribes program! Last year, Don went above and beyond, successfully raising funds for a much-needed dryer so the children, who have only a few changes of clothes, wouldn’t have to wear damp laundry that was causing skin issues. It’s this kind of thoughtful dedication that makes his return each year so meaningful.
Fun fact: the children call Don "Phu" or "Pù" (which, unfortunately, is pronounced like "Poo"). It means "grandfather," and is said with much affection, so Don accepts being called "Poo" at every turn!
His upcoming experiences will be shared in our April issue. Be sure to follow along on social media for updates on his continued service and impact.
From the Field to Foundation
Volunteer Mark has had a full and meaningful week in Guatemala, diving into both cultural experiences and hands-on service. He kicked things off by learning how to make authentic tortillas under the guidance of a beloved local instructor, one many past volunteers will fondly recognize!
His green-thumb efforts included planting fresh cilantro, exploring and learning about the jungle tree nursery, preparing garden beds for future crops, harvesting & cleaning turmeric, and even helping lay cement flooring for a family home. Afternoons were spent with the children at the center, reading, making jewelry, and doing arts and crafts. From field to foundation, Mark embraced every opportunity to serve and learn alongside the community.
Learn More About Globe Aware's Thailand Hill Tribes Program
Learn More About Globe Aware's Guatemala Program
A Blast to the Past
This made our hearts extra full. We are so honored to see Globe Aware mentioned as part of such a meaningful, multigenerational journey, one that blended service and cultural exchange.
A past volunteer, Doris Sweet, recently shared her Globe Aware Cambodia experience in a Kindle ebook, capturing everything from teaching English in rural communities to working alongside her grandson to build wheelchairs, connecting with monks and artists, and exploring Cambodia beyond the usual tourist spots.
Thank you, Doris, for sharing your story and reminding us why this work is so important. These are the experiences that stay with you long after you return home.
“Our final project was to convert plastic patio chairs into wheelchairs with a special hardware kit. Each volunteer assembled one and signed a personalized message before the recipients; all young adults with withered legs came to a reception and claimed a chair.
My grandson and I visited the home of the only female recipient, met her family, and saw her dwelling. It was basically a wooden room on a raised platform; her younger sister would carry her up the six steps piggyback style. The shaved head of the family matriarch indicated she was a widow. Our beautiful young lady was an artist creating sunset scenes of Angkor Wat. My grandson purchased this one as a gift for a friend.”
- Doris Sweet, an excerpt from EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS: Travel Experiences While Serving Others
In Local News!
Give Global. Give Local.
We spend much of our time serving globally, but service starts at home, too. Yesterday, hundreds of brand-new tennis shoes found their way to those who needed them most, thanks to generous supporters powering Globe Aware Gives Local.
From Texas to tiny hands and big hearts!
We loved sharing a little piece of our home state with the Leyton Warriors Preschool as they learn about kindness and how beautifully big our world is. At Globe Aware, connection, no matter how small, can make a world of difference.
“Hello from Leyton Warriors Preschool! Thank you so much for sending us a Valentine. We are so excited to open it and add your state to our classroom map. We are learning all about kindness, sharing, and how big our world is. Your Valentine helped our day EXTRA special. We are sending you this Valentine with lots of love, smiles, and happy hearts! Love, Ms. Angie and the Leyton Warriors Preschool Class
Where Service Meets Story
Boarding With Purpose: Wellness, Awareness, and Vacations That Change Lives- Traveling Culturati Podcast
On this episode of Traveling Culturati, we delve into the profound ways travel can inform, inspire, and even save lives. The episode opens with timely travel news and industry updates, offering listeners valuable insight into current travel trends, changes in the industry, and how these shifts are shaping how we move through the world today.
Building Leaders of Transformation Through Service Vacations
In the latest episode of the Innovation World Young Collaborators Podcast Series, host Nishka Lal sits down with Kimberly Haley Coleman, founder of Leaders of Transformation and Executive Director of Globe Aware, to explore how service becomes leadership – and how purpose-driven action can create lasting global impact.
Service Vacations - Volunteer with Purpose & Explore the World
Service Vacations offer a unique way to explore the world while making a measurable difference — combining purposeful volunteer work with immersive cultural experiences that benefit both travelers and local communities. In a compelling episode of Epic Begins With One Step Forward, host Zander sits down with Kimberly Haley-Coleman, founder and Executive Director of Globe Aware, to unpack what adventure with purpose truly means – and why ethical volunteer travel is about far more than checking destinations off a list.
Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint
Travel can be transformational, but volunteer travel can change how you see the world and your place in it. In a recent episode of Cheryl’s Travel Blueprint, host Cheryl sits down with Kimberly Haley-Coleman, Founder and Executive Director of Globe Aware, to unpack what ethical, responsible service travel really looks like. Kimberly explains how even a one-week, well-structured volunteer trip can foster deeper cultural understanding, gratitude, and meaningful connection for volunteers and host communities alike.
Innovation World Young Collaborators Podcast
Epic Begins with One Step Forward Podcast:
Think Asia for Spring!
Asia may feel far away, but if your dream is to immerse yourself in rich cultures, discover places beyond the usual tourist path, and work hand in hand with local communities to create a lasting impact, here are three exceptional programs to inspire your journey.
Immerse yourself in Cambodia this summer, where you’ll take part in meaningful service projects, including home repairs, building hygiene stations, and working alongside teachers and children in rural schools. In your free time, explore the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat temple complex, visit floating villages, and wander the vibrant markets of Siem Reap.
Help local communities around historic Hoi An, Vietnam, through hands-on projects like building sustainable chicken coops, renovating schools and playgrounds, and teaching English to children. Enjoy your free time exploring the charming UNESCO World Heritage streets, visiting nearby beaches, ancient ruins, and soaking up the rich food and history of central Vietnam.
Spend your summer in India with a volunteer vacation based in Jaipur, where you’ll help renovate schools, support children’s centers, and contribute to community projects, making a tangible impact on youth and underserved communities. In your free time, enjoy walking colorful streets and markets, visiting the Amber Fort, having dinner with local families, or discovering traditional artisan workshops.
Feel free to contact us to learn more about these programs and the many others we offer year-round.
Learn More About Globe Aware's Cambodia Program
Learn More About Globe Aware's Vietnam Program
Learn More About Globe Aware's India Program
Earn Credits
Been on our programs? We’d be so grateful for your public review here
